Aanayoottu fills Thrissur’s ancient Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple with devotion during Karkkidakam month’s first day (July-August), where crowds feed 30-50 unadorned elephants rice balls, sugarcane, coconuts, jaggery, ghee, and Ayurvedic tonics. This unique ritual honors Ganesha—elephant-headed obstacle-remover—believing such offerings erase life’s hurdles, drawing thousands despite monsoon rains.
Sacred Rituals
Events kick off with Gaja Pooja elephant worship and Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam fire ritual by 50 priests led by the Tantri, using 10,008 coconuts, 3,500 kg jaggery, beaten rice, puffed rice, sesame, honey, and lemons. Elephants line up single-file in temple grounds as devotees surge forward with offerings, creating a joyous feeding frenzy under overcast skies. A grand feast follows for 7,000 participants, blending spirituality with community bonding.
Cultural Ties
Rooted in Kerala’s elephant reverence seen in Pooram processions, Aanayoottu underscores human-animal harmony and Ramayana-era beliefs of feeding sacred beasts for prosperity. Slot into your Thrissur page pre-Pooram; target 2026’s mid-July (confirm Malayalam calendar), advising rain gear, early arrival for front-row feeds, and pairings with Pulikali for cultural immersion.
